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Land Surveys: A Quick Guide to the Different Types

Land Surveys

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Investing in a property is one of the most valuable ways to earn money for your future and widen your investment horizons. That’s why it’s important to weigh all your options before buying a property to avoid making future bad decisions. A land survey is one method that can help you choose the best property. 

Consulting a land survey company is helpful for assessing your needs and picking the best survey that fits your preferences. There are various types of land surveys to consider. Here are some of them.

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys

This land survey is a joint project between the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Survey of Property Surveyors (NSPS). It provides a comprehensive and accurate description of the legal and physical condition of the property. The survey includes the identification of the property’s boundaries, legal descriptions, survey monuments, and legal descriptions of all structures on the property. 

The ALTA/NSPS land surveys are often conducted when buying real estate or selling a property. You can also use them for zoning, subdivision, land ownership research, and other land-related purposes.

The cost of an ALTA/NSPS land survey varies depending on the size and complexity of the survey.

Location Surveys

A location survey serves as a boundary survey that identifies the location of features on the ground, such as buildings, roads, and water features. Under this survey, the surveyor sets out a baseline of reference points to establish the boundaries of the survey area and identifies all boundaries, including exterior and interior boundaries. 

Most land survey companies suggest location surveys when there is a need to identify boundaries for new development or if the property is to be subdivided.

Subdivision Surveys

While this type is often mistaken for a location survey, a subdivision survey is a survey that is typically used to subdivide land. It is a detailed land survey, identifying all boundaries and features. This includes the exterior and interior of the property as well as any water features. 

For instance, a location survey would not be necessary if your property is on a large parcel of land. However, if your property is a small lot on a busy street, a subdivision survey would be necessary to ensure that the property is properly delimited and that the boundaries are clear.

Site Planning Surveys

A site planning survey works well if you want a hybrid of boundary and topographic surveys. This type pertains to planning and designing a site to construct a building or other structure. It includes measurements, sketches, and other drawings that help planners understand the land and how you will use it. 

A site planning survey can be very helpful in ensuring that your property is properly zoned and that the layout is feasible. It can also help ensure that all construction plans comply with local and state regulations.

Final Thoughts

Land surveys are an important part of any project, as they provide a detailed physical description of the land. Furthermore, they help ensure that property lines are correctly drawn and that plots of land are properly allocated. 

Land surveys come in various forms, each having advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, the type of survey you choose will depend on the specific needs of your project. If you have difficulty choosing, a land survey company will gladly help you with your options.

Will’s Service Group is a reliable and premium land survey company specializing in land surveying, topographic mapping, land subdivision, and land ownership verification. Get in touch with us today for more information!

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